Testimonial

I had the privilege of working with the Community Department of CHB-BCK in Feb 2013. The experience of working with such a highly dedicated team was mind boggling. Daily interactions with the CHB-BCK staff helped me understand a totally different dimension of life and I am thankful to the entire staff for that.
The work that the hospital staff is doing is a true service to humanity. Despite challenging conditions, they are providing the best possible service to the people of Orissa.
I wish them all the very best for the future and hope that they continue living with the motto - "Service to Man is service to God".

Ameya Kamat (TAS Manager)

A glance of my vivid memories of my stay at CHB, Bissamcuttack
Having finished MRCS in UK, I came to know about Christian Hospital, Bissamcuttack (CHB)
through friend of a friend who had worked here for 2 years. My initial opportunity was in Dec.2010
to work in Department of surgery for 3 months lead by Dr.Sunil Jiwanmall. It was absolutely life
changing. Having faced the difficulties of further surgical training in UK, USA and India I was at
crossroads whether to pursue surgical career at all. During those 3 months I was taken aback with
the sheer number of surgeries done from head to toe and also the complexity of the cases done
for e.g. cholydochojejunostomy, Nephrolithotomy, Roux en Y bypass surgeries done at ease with
surgical skills at par with any western hospital and outcomes comparable to the advanced world that
too with limited resources and no intensive care back up. I witnessed how basic surgical skills like
debridement in necrotising fasciitis, burns, diabetic ulcers etc. were saving lives.
Having worked in National Health Service (NHS) for more than 10 years in UK, I always believed
that healthcare delivery is an expensive industry in terms of costly equipment, infrastructure,
expertise etc. especially for our Indian population and it would not be possible for an ordinary man
to afford similar health care as in NHS. It turned out to be a myth after this visit as there were only
two slab packages Â£30 for minor surgery (haemorrhoidectomy) and Â£70 for major surgery ( for e.g.
right hemi colectomy) which included all the costs of consultation, surgical charges, bed charges,
dressings etc. with 70 in patient surgical beds and around 150 to 200 outpatient visits managed by
only two surgeons. Within 3 months I was equipped with enough surgical skills to practice surgery in
India thanks to the willingness to teach, supervision and mentorship of Departmental head Dr.Sunil
Jiwanmall.
After returning to UK for 3 years I returned to CHB in Oct.2013 and stayed for 11 months
learning the art of surgery under the guidance of Dr.Sunil and was compelled to leave for fellowship
programme in Laparoscopic surgery in Aug.2014. It was very enjoyable, worthwhile experience
which has enabled me to embark on surgical career for life.
Campus is lively; always there are some volunteers, medical students, doctors from all over the
world at any given point of time doing their part in service to the local population. While the terrain
in and around the hospital up to 100km radius is magnificent with rolling country side, even the
summits of mountains full of flora and fauna. CHB is conveniently well connected by rail and road to
the nearest airport within 5 hours.
Doctor colleagues are ever so friendly and social life is very pleasant with parties, potlucks and
games. Enthusiastic basketball players and shuttlers can play at courts in front of rather spacious
doctorsâ€™ accommodations. I was lucky to be part of at numerous gala festivities during Christmas on
both of my visits.
If one wants to pay a visit to the â€œSurgical Meccaâ€ like trainee surgeons, senior surgeons and retired
surgeons for fantastic, humbling job satisfying experience performing conventional general surgery
in an idyllic location tucked away in the green mountains of Mid Eastern India blessed with typical
Indian weather and a professional work force immaterial of oneâ€™s faith, colour, creed or country and
be part of the CHB family in serving the local population..........Christian Hospital Bissamcuttack is the
place to be.....I am glad to be CHB family member.... I will make efforts to be touched by the surreal
place.... to visit in the future whenever I get an opportunity...